Demand for Reconstitution of VO Committees by Members

Governments have introduced several welfare schemes and programmes aimed at empowering women, with self-help groups playing a key role in promoting financial independence. Women’s groups have been formed from the village level to the district level to provide opportunities for economic development. However, allegations have emerged over the functioning of Village Organisations (VOs), which are responsible for coordinating and supporting self-help groups. Some women’s group members allege that certain VOs are being managed through one-person dominance and that irregularities have also been reported in the district federation.

As per the rules, VO committees are required to be reconstituted periodically. However, members allege that some individuals have continued in key positions for several years due to alleged official inaction. The district has 12 mandals and 364 VO groups, according to the information provided. Once mandal-level committees are formed, their presidents are expected to elect the district president either unanimously or through voting. Members allege that the process of forming new committees is not being carried out properly in several areas.

General body meetings are supposed to be conducted and new governing bodies elected through a democratic process. However, members allege that some individuals are continuing in different positions by changing roles between terms. They claim that a person who served as president in one term may become secretary in the next term and later return as president. Some members allege that such individuals have remained in positions of influence for nearly a decade. They further claim that resolutions passed in general body meetings calling for new committees have not been acted upon by officials.

Meanwhile, several members have alleged that those questioning irregularities are being threatened or removed from committees. Recently, an incident in Ganapuram mandal reportedly involved a committee member being attacked with a slipper after questioning alleged irregularities involving a VO leader. The affected members reportedly complained to the DRDA Project Director but alleged that no action was taken. Members have also alleged that irregularities continue because of the alleged involvement of some officials at different levels. They are demanding that VO committees that have remained in office beyond the prescribed period be dissolved and that general body meetings be conducted immediately to elect new governing bodies.